NCGA APPLAUDS BIOECONOMY BLUEPRINT

MAY 2012

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(Posted Mon. May 7th, 2012)

May 7: Last week, the Obama Administration released a National Bioeconomy Blueprint that outlines a comprehensive approach to drive the bioeconomy and guides federal agencies and the private sector to enhance economic growth and job creation. The Bioeconomy Blueprint emerged as a priority not only for economic reasons, but also because it enables Americans to live healthier lives, develop new sources of bioenergy, address environmental challenges and increase the scope and productivity of the agricultural sector.

The National Corn Growers Association thanks the administration for highlighting the benefits of genetically modified crops to the U.S. economy. According to the USDA, U.S. revenues in 2010 from genetically modified crops were approximately $76 billion. Biotechnology advancements combined with breeding techniques are expected, in the near future, to lead crops with desirable traits such as improved nutritional value, enhanced disease resistance and higher crop yields. NCGA submitted comments to the Office of Science and Technology during the development of the Bioeconomy Blueprint.

“As technology evolves, farming operations do, too,” the comments noted. “Meeting demand, improving processes, and minimizing environmental impacts are what make modern agriculture a dynamic industry. [NCGA] has a strong interest in the availability of new technology to enhance the sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. In developing a blueprint for the bioeconomy, it is imperative that the U.S. agriculture industry continues to lead the way with innovation, product development and acceptance of biotechnology crops.”

In conjunction with the release of the Bioeconomy Blueprint, commitments were also made by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to encourage Federal procurement of an expanded range of bio-based products.

For the full Bioeconomy Blueprint, including the five strategic imperatives for a robust bioeconomy click here.